McLeansboro Diesel Power Plant | 9.2 MW Facility in Illinois, USA

McLeansboro is a diesel power plant located in McLeansboro, Illinois, United States. With a capacity of 9.2 MW, it is a small-scale facility serving the local community. The plant is owned and operated by the City of McLeansboro and is currently operational. The plant uses oil as its primary fuel, typical for diesel power plants of this size. In the United States, such facilities are subject to the Clean Air Act (CAA) regulations, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and potentially the Acid Rain Program, depending on emissions. Diesel plants often operate as peaking units or for emergency backup. As a municipal utility, McLeansboro plays a role in local energy reliability. Its small capacity suggests it may serve as a reserve or supplement to larger grid sources. The plant's environmental impact is moderate due to its size and fuel type, with emissions of CO2, SOx, and NOx typical for oil-fired generation.

The plant uses oil as fuel, which results in higher CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to natural gas. Its location in a small town in Illinois means it is not in a densely populated area, reducing local air quality concerns. However, as a diesel plant, it may operate intermittently, limiting overall emissions. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Air Act ensures compliance with emission standards.